2018 Honda CB650F Review

2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F
2018 Honda CB650F

 

 

THE PUREST FORM OF MOTORCYCLING.

 

What makes motorcycles special? Where do you even start! For one thing, what you see is what you get. With a bike, nothing’s hidden under a hood or behind doors. And that’s especially true of a “naked” bike, a machine where you can see the engine and the frame and just about everything else.

Bikes like these make sense—they’re light and elemental and pure. And they can also be a ton of fun. Especially a machine like the all-new 2018 Honda CB650F.

While you may not have seen this machine before, we’ve been refining it for several years over in Europe. Now it’s your turn, and like a European supermodel, the CB650F is honed, toned and gorgeous.

We started with the engine from our popular CBR650F. Offering an 11,000 rpm redline, we gave it shorter gear ratios to ensure some rigorous acceleration through the midrange. Revised intakes and a free-breathing exhaust mean more peak power too. In short, it’s a blast to ride. And check out those 4-into-1 exhaust pipes—a styling touch to one of the most iconic Hondas ever, the CB400F Supersport.

Genuine middleweight four-cylinder motorcycles are an important Honda tradition, and bigger isn’t always better. With the new CB650F you get more of what matters – performance, acceleration, style and handling ability – without adding weight or cost.

Power Up!

The 649cc engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter/clutch layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. The DOHC 16-valve cylinder head employs direct cam actuation with a 11.4:1 compression ratio.

Good Bones

The CB650F’s steel diamond frame features twin 64mm x 30mm elliptical spars. They’re stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the middle of the spars to deliver balanced handling characteristics with high levels of feedback.

New Showa Fork Technology

A brand-new 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) fork improves ride comfort and handling. It delivers proportional rebound damping with firmer compression damping as the travel increases.

Information Central

The dash offers twin digital screens. On the left are the rev-counter and speedometer; on the right are a fuel gauge, clock, odometer and the warning lights. Both sides are lit by a white backlight.

A distinctive presence

This motorcycle has real pulling power.

The CB650F delivers the kind of enjoyable performance, acceleration and handling that will never fail to make you smile. Its looks are striking; most dominant are the sinuous exhaust pipes that sweep down, then up and around the four-cylinder engine where they let out a deep growl. Pure Honda.

A beauty of a beast

Take a closer look at the finer details of the CB650F – they’ll make your heart thump a little bit faster.

Pure muscle

Engine casings are finished in an attractive, satin bronze coating. They not only contrast with the imposing black, DOHC engine, they highlight the CB650F’s super sport connection with Honda’s racing heritage.

Seeing clearly

The clear-lensed LED headlights illuminate the darkest roads and city streets. The rear taillight is also LED to improve visibility and is positioned high for that uncompromising streetfighter look.

Easy information

Keep up to speed with what’s going on underneath and around you. This simple, twin digital screen, with a white back light, means you won’t miss a thing: rev-counter, speedometer, fuel gauge, clock, odometer and warning lights are all clearly displayed.

Stop sure

The CB650F has revised two-piston Nissin front calipers that squeeze 320mm wavy discs. With two-channel ABS as standard, they provide strong braking power and confidence in all conditions. A single-piston rear 240mm disc is at the rear.

Shaped to ride

The seat has been created with a narrow middle section, this is not only good for rider movement around town, but helps ground reach when you’re on and off the pegs in traffic. For comfort, it’s been designed to sit on rubber mounts to minimise any vibration.

Hard style

Pared back and hard, the smaller side cowls highlight the angular fuel tank and show much more of the muscular engine. The headlight cowl has been drawn in tighter, with sharper angles presenting a hard-edged appearance.

A fine balance

Fully adjustable front and rear suspension by Showa.

This suspension system is fully adjustable and can be tweaked to suit all road and riding conditions.

Front fork

The CB650F has a 41mm Dual Bending Valve type fork that provides excellent control. Incorporating a free valve structure that progressively increases the amount of damping according to the road conditions – there is no limit to how much the compression damping can be reinforced. This simple, innovative technology – a world first – delivers superior performance levels that are equivalent to cartridge type suspension units, but in a lighter package.

Rear shock

Underneath the seat is housed a single-tube, monoshock suspension unit with 7-stage spring preload adjustment. It the works directly on the neatly curved, gravity die-cast – for stability and strength – aluminium swingarm.

A black, rear swingarm matches perfectly with the finish of the cast alloy wheels.

Beautifully powered

A compact 649cc engine that’s smooth in every sense.

The sleek and lithe profile of a street fighter, with exquisite hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium wheels.

The CB650F’s (EURO4 compliant) engine now develops 67kW @ 11,000rpm. This is down to a new intake and exhaust system with shorter air intake funnels linked to a down-flow airbox. Together with a 4-1 exhaust, with a larger muffler outlet, you can hear the power as well as feel it.

A body of steel

The CB650F is built around a steel diamond frame, which incorporates twin 64mm x 30mm elliptical spars. A rigid balance specifically tuned to deliver delightful handling with high levels of feedback. Rake is set at 25.5° and trail is 101mm for good straight-line stability. The wheelbase is 1,450mm – short and sweet – for excellent turn-in performance.

Revisiting an air-cooled era, the gorgeous chrome exhaust pipes are reminiscent of the stunning 1970’s CB400 Four.

 

 

 

2018 Honda CB650F Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

American Honda announced today the addition of the CB650F to its model lineup for the 2018 model year, while also confirming the return of two other exhilarating sport bikes in the capable CBR650F and the incredibly popular Grom. The CB650F is the latest in an admired lineage of Honda middleweight four-cylinder naked bikes dating back to the CB400F of the 1970s, and with a great power-to-weight ratio, pared-back style, and comfortable riding position, it has all the elements of a great-performing midsize street-fighter.

Honda’s newest middleweight naked bike is powered by a compact 649cc inline four-cylinder engine that provides a satisfying rush of power and torque while emitting a throaty growl through beautiful side-swept exhaust headers (a Honda signature) and a single, organically shaped, under-swingarm muffler. With minimal bodywork, the view of the handsome engine and twin-spar frame is unobstructed. Suspension comprises a Showa Dual Bending Valve fork and adjustable shock, and both the headlight and taillight feature LED bulbs. All three brake rotors are wave-style, the dual 320mm front discs being squeezed by Nissin calipers. Longer rides are made comfortable by the sporty-yet-natural riding position and a rubber-mounted handlebar.

 

Engine / Drivetrain

  • 649cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine features a muscular torque spread through the low- to midrange portions of the powerband, especially below 4000 rpm.
  • Tuned especially for strong acceleration from a standing start and strong midrange roll-on throttle response for real-world street-riding performance.
  • Liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine features Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system.
  • Dual overhead camshafts actuate four valves per cylinder. This layout allows a high degree of freedom in cylinder head design for optimum performance.
  • The camshafts are driven by a silent-type cam chain for reduced engine friction, and the surfaces of the cam-chain pins are treated with vanadium for lower friction and increased toughness.
  • The piston pins and connecting rods are treated with a special friction-reducing protective coating for greater durability and efficiency.
  • Cylinders are inclined at a 30-degree angle to help lower the center of gravity (CG) for more agile handling.
  • Sweeping right-side four-into-one exhaust system is both stylish and functional, and muffler emits a raucous growl.

 

Chassis / Suspension

  • Upright riding position and rubber-mounted handlebar for a comfortable ride.
  • Low center of gravity (CG), light curb weight, and slim cross-section work together to provide lightweight steering feel and responsive handling.
  • Street fighter styling places the CB650F squarely in the company of Honda’s CB1000R and CB500F naked models.
  • Minimalist bodywork makes for a tough, street-fighter image and allows a full view of the engine and exhaust.
  • The frame incorporates elliptically shaped twin 64mm x 30mm steel spars for tuned flex to deliver excellent sport riding characteristics.
  • The engine is incorporated as a stressed member of the frame, an efficient layout for enhanced handling.
  • Single-shock rear suspension is actuated directly by the strong yet lightweight aluminum swingarm for 5.0 inches of rear-wheel travel.
  • Shock spring preload is adjustable in seven steps to accommodate variations in load and riding conditions.
  • Large, 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve fork with 4.3 inches of travel for a well-controlled yet comfortable ride.
  • Lightweight cast-aluminum wheels with 120/70ZR-17 tire in front and 180/55ZR-17 rear.
  • Wave-type dual front 320mm disc brakes and 240mm rear give strong stopping power and lend a stylish touch while also saving unsprung weight.
  • Honda’s ABS system is available for more confident stopping in challenging conditions.
  • LCD multi-function digital meter package includes speedometer, tachometer, odometer/A&B trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Meter can also display average and instantaneous fuel consumption.
  • Under-seat utility area adds modest but convenient storage space.
  • Headlight and taillight both have LED bulbs.
  • L-shaped air valves on the wheels allow easier access, simplifying air-pressure adjustment.

 

Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

 

  • Meets current EPA standards.
  • Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.

 

2018 Honda CB650F Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Dynamic performance

The liquid-cooled 649 cc engine uses compact internal architecture, a quick six-speed low ratio gearbox and starter/clutch layout with cylinders canted forward 30 degrees for a lower centre of gravity, packing a real pound-for-pound punch.

Balanced power

Tuned for increased torque and effortless performance in low and mid rpm, the proven DOHC 16-valve cylinder head with direct cam actuation and 11.4:1 compression ratio increases peak power delivery at 11,000 rpm.

Optimal fuel economy

Specific mapping and timing work together to optimize fuel economy and deliver over 350 km in range from the generous 17.3L fuel tank.

Streetfighter design

The exposed side-swept downpipes pay homage to the vintage CB400 while offering a modern streetfighter design twist. The right side-swept 4-1 exhaust features a dual-pass internal structure to reduce back pressure and deliver an addictive growl, reminding riders of its rich CB heritage.

Quality construction

Asymmetric piston skirts, ferrous spines on the cylinder sleeves and a silent SV cam chain using a Vanadium coating on its pins ensure reduced friction, minimal oil consumption and improved heat transfer.

Quick acceleration

Shorter gearing ratios mean the new CB650F is quick off the line, featuring noticeable power and thrust from 5,000 rpm with its stripped down lightweight design. The PGM-FI fuel injection system operates with information from four separate throttle body sensors on 32 mm throttle bores for crisp and accurate throttle response.

Sharp response

The carefully crafted intake/exhaust system and short air intake funnels deliver an enticing sound at start-up, with a sharper response under acceleration as the throttle opens up and engine revs to higher rpms.

Sporty handling

A rigid steel diamond frame paired with twin 64 mm x 30 mm elliptical spars provides sport-inspired balanced handling, specifically tuned for high levels of rider feedback and sharp performance.

Comfort and stability

The 41 mm Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) front fork improves ride comfort and handling stability through proportional rebound damping with firm compression damping.

Adjustable suspension

The single-tube monoshock suspension offers 7-stage spring preload adjustment and operates directly on the curved gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm.

Attractive design

Blacked-out cast aluminum six-spoke wheels with 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear radial tires also feature L shaped air valves for easy maintenance.

Stopping power

The two-piston Nissin calipers work the front 320 mm wavy disc brake with a single-piston rear 240 mm disc and two-channel ABS fitted as standard equipment.

Streetfighter styling

The CB650F represents the naked new shape of things to come, with its bold styling and urban street design. The bronzed engine cover, blacked-out frame and tightly clenched fist appearance come together to deliver an aggressive look, further accented by the crisp LED headlight and clear-lensed LED taillight.

Comfortable seating

The slightly forward yet sporty riding position places the rider closer to the front wheel and comfortable handlebars. The comfortably shaped seat also helps minimize vibration, while the narrow middle profile and 810 mm seat height allows riders to easily reach the ground with ample seating for a passenger.

Digital display

The digital dash includes twin large screens that display speed and rpm on the left with the fuel gauge, clock, odomoter and warning lights on the right. Both screens feature bright white back lighting.

Safe and sound

A compact ‘wave’ design ignition key offers increased security and reduced chance of breakage.

 

 

 

2018 Honda CB650F – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD

ENGINE
Engine Type 649cc Liquid-Cooled Inline Four-Cylinder
Bore And Stroke 67mm x 46mm
Induction PGM-FI Programmed Automatic Enrichment Circuit, with 32mm Throttle Bodies
Ignition Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Compression Ratio 11.4:1
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder
DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive #525 O-ring chain
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension 41mm Fork; 4.3 inches travel
Rear Suspension Single shock with spring-preload adjustability; 5.0 inches travel
Front Brake Two-piston calipers with dual 320mm discs
Rear Brake Single-caliper 240mm disc
Front Tire 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear Tire 180/55ZR-17 radial
DIMENSIONS
Rake 25.3° (Caster Angle)
Trail 101.3mm (3.98 inches)
Wheelbase 57.1 inches
Seat Height 31.9 inches
Curb Weight 454 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of
fuel—ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity 4.6 gallons
Miles Per Gallon TBD*
OTHER
Model ID CB650F
Emissions Meets current EPA standards. California version meets current CARB standards and
may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.
Available Colors Red
FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
One Year Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with
a Honda Protection Plan.
Note
*Honda’s fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission
measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your
actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle,
weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and
passenger weight, and other factors.

 

 

2018 Honda CB650F – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in  CDN

Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled inline four cylinder
Displacement
649 cc
Bore & Stroke
67 mm x 46 mm
Compression Ratio
11.4:1
Valve Train
Chain-driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Delivery
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Transmission
Six-speed
Final Drive
#525 O-ring-sealed chain
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension
41 mm SDBV telescopic fork; 108 mm (4.3 in.) travel
Rear Suspension
Monoshock damper with adjustable preload; 128 mm (5 in.) travel
Additional Information
Tires
Front: 120/70ZR-17 Rear: 180/55ZR-17
Brakes
Front: dual 320 mm discs with dual-piston calipers Rear: 240 mm disc with single-piston caliper with ABS
Seat Height
810 mm (31.9 in.)
Wheelbase
1,450 mm (57 in.)
Curb Weight
208 kg (459 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas–ready to ride
Fuel Capacity
17.3 L
Colour
Millennium Red w/ deluxe stripe
Warranty
12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

 

 

2018 Honda CB650F – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £6599 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine

Bore × Stroke (mm) 67.0 x 46.0
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio 11.4:1
Engine Displacement (cc) 649cc
Engine Type (cm³) 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves
Max. Power Output 67kW/11,000rpm
Max. Torque 64Nm/8,000rpm
Oil Capacity (Litres) 3.5L
Starter Electric

Wheels

Suspension Front 41mm SDBV telescopic fork
Suspension Rear Monoshock damper with adjustable preload
Tyre Size Front 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyre Size Rear 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
Wheels Front Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels Rear Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium

Dimensions and Weights

Battery Capacity (VAh) 12V/8.6AH
Caster Angle 25.5
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) 2110 x 775 x 1120mm
Frame type Steel diamond
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) 17.3L
Fuel Consumption 21km/litre
Ground Clearance (mm) 150mm
Kerb Weight (kg) 208kg
Seat Height (mm) 810mm
Trail (mm) 101mm
Wheelbase (mm) 1450mm

Transmission

Clutch Wet, multiplate disc
Transmission Type 6-speed

Instruments and Electrics

Headlights LED
Tail Light LED

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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